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Posts Tagged ‘travel & leisure’

Cuba Multi Centre.

July 26th, 2010 No comments

Cuba is such a big Island that it makes it ideal for multi centre holidays. There is so much to do and see that sometimes – depending on the itinerary – 2 weeks are not enough.

The Cuban Archipelago offers a variety of tourism modalities that separates it from the rest of the islands in the Caribbean. Cuba is unique in terms of its tourist attractions. Not only you can find astonishing beach locations but also charming colonial villages and towns full of character.

Among the best beach locations in Cuba -Varadero and Guardalavaca – stand out from the crowd for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. The Cayo islands around main land are famous for its virginity and quietness. Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Levisa are just some of the best beach destinations in Cuba.

There is much more other than just beaches. Cuba was for many centuries the “Key to The Americas” and as a result its cultural and historic heritage is immeasurable. Its architecture is very striking. A mingle of Colonial and modern styles can be appreciated in most of the main cities in Cuba.

Its landscapes have inspired plastic artists all around the World. The beyond belief Vinales Valley – located in Pinar del Rio province in the west of Cuba – is one of the gems of the Cuban geography that today can be admired by millions of tourists.

Havana – The Capital – is a must if you go on holidays to Cuba. It certainly has the best vibe. There is music in every Caf and a Caf in every corner of the Old Quarter. Beautiful squares to rest and watch the people going bye.

Other provinces and towns worth visiting are Trinidad and Baracoa (these two are the oldest villages in Cuba that still preserve an entirely colonial architecture). Santiago de Cuba is another important location mainly from the historic point of view. It was from Santiago de Cuba where all the uprisings, independent movements and revolutions started in Cuba.

If you are thinking of visiting Cuba the best advice is to contact a tailor made specialist with in-depth knowledge about Cuba. You will be guided through the process of deciding what is best for you taking into consideration many factors such as duration, interests and budget for your holidays.

Mr JM Maurette is a reservation consultant employed by Quest World Travel Ltd . He has a great deal of experience and expertise arranging tailor made holidays to Cuba . If you need to arrange a tailor made Cuban Holiday please follow the links above.

Perfect Caribbean Holidays For Disabled Visitors

October 12th, 2009 No comments
by Edward Watkinson

Caribbean holidays hold charm for all sorts of tourists: adults, kids and the disabled. The place is so immensely beautiful and lively that everybody can find something interesting to do here. The Caribbean is not only famous for its water sports and the thrill and adventure associated with it. Over 7000 Caribbean islands are sandwiched between the mighty Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, the beautiful landscape and the swaying pine trees welcome the disabled visitors warmly.

If you are looking for a holiday with one of the best water sports facilities, then Caribbean is just the right place to go. Disabled visitors might find it hard to take part in the extremely thrilling yet risky water sports, but they still have the advantage of watching live sports like jet skiing or parasailing, right there before their eyes. If they are not handicapped that much, then they can even enjoy simpler activities like canoeing or banana boating. The helpful guides and instructors while doing it will assist them.

Those who are visually impaired or have hearing problems can still enjoy lighter sports like banana boat and canoeing. They can have a ball of a time in the safer parts of the sea with the help of the guides and the instructors, who are helpful.

Going on a cruise is definitely the most adventurous activity for the disabled visitors. Many cruises are designed to cater to the special needs of the disabled visitors with wheel chairs. The passageways and the frames of the doors are wide enough to let the wheelchairs pass easily. Apart from this, the thresholds are kept flat and ramps built near the staircases facilitate the disabled visitors. They are also provided other facilities like in shower wheel chairs, lifts, and convenient access to the activity area.

The cruise is perhaps the most exciting thing for the disabled visitors. There are many cruises, which are designed in a special way to accommodate wheel chairs on board. The doorways and alleys have been made wider to allow the wheelchairs to pass. Furthermore, ramps have been built near the stairs or steps. The thresh holds are flat and the disabled visitors are provided with in-shower wheel chairs as well. Other facilities include elevators and easy access to the activities on cruise for the disabled. However, the disabled visitors themselves, before planning for any vacation, should take safety measures. Their travel agents should give them complete information about their destination. It is natural for the disabled visitors to experience lesser thrill and excitement as compared with others, but they will still be able to enjoy it largely.

There are lots of other attractions for disabled visitors in the Caribbean like sightseeing enjoy waterfalls, caves, volcanoes and rain forests, or they can go for bird watching or a safari or an amusement park. Those who can manage to go on cycling trips should not miss the opportunity.

Those with hearing impairment only can go on cycling trips, visit art galleries and aquariums, go for horse riding and even play golf. All Caribbean resorts offer great spa facilities, which the disabled visitors will find unmatched. The disabled visitors should also check for the vibrant carnivals and festivals that take place in various Caribbean islands. Food is one part of the Caribbean holiday experience that ca not be missed. The place offers exotic cuisine that makes ones holidays unforgettable. Disabled visitors can make the best of their Caribbean holidays, if they choose the right island, one that is handicap accessible. Puerto Rico, Aruba and St John are famous for their disabled-friendly facilities. It is hoped that other islands will also follow suit.

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Traveling to Colorado

March 23rd, 2009 No comments

The state of Colorado offers some of the best scenery to be found anywhere in the United States. Forests, mountains and lakes await the visitor and there are plenty opportunities to see wildlife. For the active sports enthusiast, Colorado mountain biking is one of the most popular activities. It is the ideal terrain for bikers and the sport is encouraged here. Many bikers also like to combine biking with the other activities the area has to offer such as water rafting, fishing or kayaking.

There are hundreds of trails and tracks, suitable for mountain biking in Colorado, often as part of State Parks, National Forests and Nature Preserves. Everything the area has to offer is best seen from the saddle and there are trails for the beginner, intermediate and more advanced rider. Groups and families love to explore in this scenic wonder. As with any adventure sport, it’s important to prepare properly. Ensure that the bike is in good working order and take a repair kit just in case. Colorado is known for its hot days and chilly nights, so sunscreen, lots of water and plenty layers of clothing are required.

The San Juan National Forest with its high peaks, lakes, old mines, canyons and waterfalls is a popular destination in Colorado for mountain biking. Visitors to this area are delighted to spot elk, bear, mule deer, grouse and mountain lions. The Pike and San Isabel National Forest contains 14,000 feet mountains, reservoirs, white water and historic ghost towns. It is a favorite haunt for bikers, fishing enthusiasts, and owners of 4-Wheel Drive vehicles.

The Sangre de Cristo mountain range can be found in the Rio Grande National Forest. It is a beautiful area of alpine streams and high altitude lakes. The area is promoted as a Colorado mountain biking destination and as a great place for 4-Wheel Drive, road biking and motorcycling. The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest boasts eight designated wilderness areas, five large lakes, and the Front Range mountains.

Routt National Forest is another playground for mountain biking in Colorado, as well as jeeping. The protected area has a number of threatened and endangered species amongst the Spruce, Pine and Fir trees. Chatfield State Park is very close to Denver and contains a 27-acre nature preserve and a 1,550 acre reservoir. It is a weekend retreat for Denver residents and hot air balloons are launched from here. There is also the opportunity to photograph Great Blue Herons from March until September.

There are trails, particularly suitable for the beginner Colorado mountain biker. Three of these trails are to be found around the Boulder area. They are at the Betasso Preserve, the Meyers Homestead Trail and the Marshall Mesa.

If mountains seem a bit daunting, there are Downhill Mountain Bike Tours. These provide all the fun without the aching limbs next day! They are popular with groups and families with young children. The tour provides a guide with first aid training, along with the bikes, helmets and water bottles.

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How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out

January 14th, 2009 1 comment

You’ve dreamed of a wildlife Africa safari for years ” and now its finally going to happen. You see yourself taking National Geographic camera shots. You wonder how to get a close-up of a lion, the way the professionals do. But did you know that if you visit a game reserve such as Amboseli or Kenya Mara, you most likely wont even get the chance? Its strictly the rule in such places nowadays that no vehicle shall stray from the beaten track.

Now is the time to take a second look at that dinky little camera you’ve been using for every family vacation. Get that wildlife Africa close-up you’ve dreamed about without sticking your head in a lions maw or getting trampled by the annual wildebeest migration. A telephoto lens is the perfect answer. (The ideal range for safely shooting wildlife is between 300 mm. to 600 mm.)

Before You Leave For Your Trip

Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.

# Practice snapping wildlife in your own neighborhood ” and especially from your car window (providing you’re not the person who is driving!) It doesn’t matter if your subject is just a ground squirrel or a seagull. You’ll soon find yourself seeing opportunities for unique shots you’d have never noticed before.

* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.

# Make a note of any camera task noises (such as zoom or auto focus) that are likely to disturb your subjects. Decide how you are going to get around that before your trip to wildlife Africa.

* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.

The Big Day: Tricks Of The Trade

# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you’re trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.

# Don’t forget to consider including scenery. Natural objects will make your photographs seem extra special. There’s nothing more haunting than the mood of a place. Including a unique bit of flora will bring wildlife Africa home as nothing else can.

* Remember that malaria is still something to be cautious about. Use repellent, and long, tight clothing buttoned at wrists or ankles.

You may feel silly chasing squirrels through your local park, but persevere. The results of a little foresight and practice and the application of a few simple tricks and techniques will make sure your camera captures your wildlife Africa dream, as well as your subjects.

And don’t forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!

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